To the Editor:

Feb. 11 through Feb. 17 is National Random Acts of Kindness Week. In the spirit of the week, I would like to ask the community to consider giving to Yokefellow Crisis Ministries, through a donation of non-perishable food, or by making a financial contribution in any amount.

Did you know that Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), the most common type of federal food assistance, covers only about two weeks of food expenses for the average family? At this time, almost one-third of the children in Surry County are food insecure, which means their families lack the resources needed to purchase a healthy diet and provide adequate food for them. Also, many senior citizens in our community on fixed incomes typically qualify for only $14 per month in FNS benefits. This means that, every day, some of our neighbors are going without enough to eat.

I grew up in a single-parent family with four children. I know personally what it is like to go hungry on a regular basis. Words can’t describe the heartache and shame, not to mention the physical and psychological effects. Many years later, I still remember that time in my life, along with all the hardship and struggle. Those times shaped me as a person and as a professional, and filled me with a great resolve.

Now, in my work as director of the Jones Family Resource Center, I see people dealing with hunger. Families come to our facility on Jones School Road daily in hopes of getting help with some of the most basic needs in life—food, assistance with utilities, or help with medication expenses. Many struggle at no fault of their own, trying to get by until they get more money, or until their FNS funds arrive. I am saddened by their plight, for I have been where they are. I am now in a position to help, and that is my mission at the Family Resource Center—to direct these friends in need to the programs and services available to them. If nothing else, I can always offer compassion, a smile, and a kind word.

But, words don’t fill the plates of children at suppertime. That’s why I’m asking everyone to get behind the work of Yokefellow Ministries, especially during National Random Acts of Kindness Week. You are welcome to drop food items at the Jones Family Resource Center, 215 Jones School Road, Mt. Airy. Or you can mail your donation to Yokefellow Ministries, PO Box 211, Mt. Airy, NC 27030. Yokefellow Ministries is a non-profit organization, and your donation is tax deductible.

In these times of budget cuts and talk of slashing programs, it is more important than ever for us take care of our own. Our community is known for its compassion and generosity. I’m calling on everyone to support Yokefellow Crisis Ministries, so that Yokefellow can help many others.

To learn more about National Random Acts of Kindness Week, go to www.randomactsofkindness.org.

Annalisa Davis, director

Jones Family Resource Center